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Manga Printing
At QinPrinting, we love the free spirit of manga and the high artistic and narrative values they express. Our passion—together with an exceptional team, technological wizardry, and personalized customer care—position us among the most successful independent manga printers anywhere in the world.
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Softcover Manga Quote
Common Manga Sizes
We will print your manga any size you want, although unusual custom prints will cost a little more than standard sizes because of the extra work involved in preparing the plates and setting up the machines.
The most common sizes for manga comics are 5" x 7.5", 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9" and 8.5" x 11". From a commercial angle, it's often in your best interests to stick to the more popular formats. It's effective and inexpensive, meets customer expectations, and cuts down on set-up time, leading to a faster turnaround.
So, for your first manga, we recommend you print a 5" by 7.5" book.
Paper Options for Printing Manga
The paper on which you choose for your manga printing influences its appearance, durability, and how much you spend. Many commercially produced manga use lightweight, coated paper for color interiors. These standards are fine for most manga.
But at QinPrinting we recommend 105 gsm / 70 lb, 128 gsm / 86 lb, 157 gsm / 106 lb coated paper or 80 gsm / 54 lb, 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated paper for manga interiors as they give a lovely crisp, vibrant finish to the artwork and make the text easy to read. It will also stop the artwork “bleeding through” to the other side of the page. Choosing book interior paper depends on the book size and book thickness, too. As a general rule, we recommend thinner paper for the interior. Thinner paper can be opened flat easily which is best for a small size book. If the interior paper is too thick, smaller books can be harder to open.
If the book is 8.5" x 11" or larger, we recommend thicker paper for the interior. For example, 128 gsm / 86 lb, 157 gsm / 106 lb coated paper or 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated paper. If the book has 32 pages or less and you want to use perfect binding, we recommend 200 gsm / 135 lb coated paper to reach the required spine width.
Paperback Cover Paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb gloss cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb gloss cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss cover paper
- 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss cover paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb matte cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb matte cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb matte cover paper
Hardcover Paper
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2.5 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 3 mm grey board
- Other paper wrapped on grey board
Interior Paper
- 105 gsm / 71 lb coated text paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb coated text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb coated text paper
- 80 gsm / 54 lb uncoated text paper
- 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated text paper
- 120 gsm / 81 lb uncoated text paper
You can download a book cover template to check the book spine thickness according to different paper types and page amounts here.
Paper for the cover of your manga depends on which binding style you choose. We usually make manga covers of heavier, gloss art paper. But you can also use the same paper as your interior, in which case we say that your manga is “self-covered”. Saddle stitching, perfect binding, and hardcovers are the best options for manga. They give a professional look and feel and last a long time, even with repeated readings and handling.
Binding Options for Manga
While sometime our clients ask for “self-covered” manga to keep costs down to the minimum, the style of binding you choose depends on the genre, length, reader expectations, and your budget. The most popular options for professional manga are “saddle stitching” and “perfect binding”. Mangaka may also choose hardcovers for special editions or series collections.
This means that we make the manga of folded sheets stacked inside each other, often with an added cover sheet of glossy art paper, and then stapled together down the curved edge. The name comes from the original process of sewing the pages together with binding thread. Saddle stitch is only possible with a page count divisible by four, up to a maximum of 64 pages. But to make sure the book is neat and lies flat, we recommend a limit of 48 pages or fewer for this style of binding.
This is the binding used for standard paperback books and the most popular choice for manga, too. We collate the interior pages into a block, glued together, and then glued into a wrap-around cover made of heavier art paper or lightweight card stock.
In this binding, we organize the interior pages in “signatures” which are then sewn and glued into a hard cardboard casing covered with a printed sheet to form the cover.
Self-covers are the most inexpensive option and hardcovers are the costliest, with saddle-stitched and perfect bound editions falling somewhere in-between. The ultimate cost always depends on the materials, size, length, and number of copies printed in a single run.
Manga Crowdfunding
Unlike several other printing companies, we genuinely care about all our clients and appreciate the intensive creative work that makes a graphic novel from the first inkling of inspiration to the final printed product. We genuinely want you to succeed. So, if you're running a crowdfunding campaign, say on Kickstarter, talk to us first.
We'll be happy to help you with manga design templates both for the interiors and the cover, free artwork checking by our experts, and special discounts on a range of optimal printing solutions. Seriously, call us up. We can help.
Why Choose QinPrinting for Your Mangas?
QinPrinting provides top-notch quality, flexibility, and expert support to help you produce the perfect manga, all while keeping it affordable and hassle-free.
Superior Print Quality
Crisp, vibrant colors and high-definition images to showcase your artwork at its best.
Wide Range of Paper Choices
Select the ideal paper type for your manga, whether for smooth printing or a more textured finish.
Professional Support
Our team offers free file checks and expert guidance to ensure your graphic novel is print-ready.
Affordable Pricing
Competitive pricing with no compromise on quality, making it easier to bring your graphic novel to life
QinPrinting Rated Excellent for Manga Printing
FAQs
How much does it cost to print a manga?
The cost of printing a manga depends on factors like quantity, page count, paper quality, and cover type. Generally, larger quantities and standard sizes will lower the cost per copy. For a more accurate estimate, feel free to check out our price chat.
Manga Book Printing Price Chart (5" x 7.5")
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs | 10000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16pp + 4pp | $1.38 unit $138 total | $0.37 unit $184 total | $0.23 unit $230 total | $0.16 unit $314 total | $0.12 unit $618 total | $0.10 unit $1,010 total |
| 20pp + 4pp | $1.89 unit $189 total | $0.50 unit $250 total | $0.31 unit $307 total | $0.20 unit $409 total | $0.16 unit $776 total | $0.12 unit $1,235 total |
| 32pp + 4pp | $1.82 unit $182 total | $0.50 unit $249 total | $0.31 unit $314 total | $0.23 unit $456 total | $0.18 unit $915 total | $0.16 unit $1,641 total |
| 40pp + 4pp | $2.35 unit $235 total | $0.64 unit $322 total | $0.40 unit $402 total | $0.29 unit $574 total | $0.23 unit $1,154 total | $0.20 unit $2,037 total |
- Cover: 105 gsm / 40 lb coated cover paper
- Interior: 105 gsm / 70 lb coated text paper, full color printing
Manga Book Printing Price Chart (8.5" x 11")
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs | 10000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16pp + 4pp | $1.84 unit $184 total | $0.51 unit $255 total | $0.32 unit $315 total | $0.23 unit $456 total | $0.18 unit $912 total | $0.17 unit $1,658 total |
| 20pp + 4pp | $2.37 unit $237 total | $0.65 unit $326 total | $0.40 unit $401 total | $0.28 unit $569 total | $0.23 unit $1,135 total | $0.20 unit $1,996 total |
| 32pp + 4pp | $2.86 unit $286 total | $0.80 unit $402 total | $0.51 unit $510 total | $0.38 unit $751 total | $0.30 unit $1,516 total | $0.28 unit $2,801 total |
| 40pp + 4pp | $3.44 unit $344 total | $0.97 unit $485 total | $0.63 unit $627 total | $0.46 unit $915 total | $0.38 unit $1,883 total | $0.34 unit $3,400 total |
- Cover: 105 gsm / 40 lb coated cover paper
- Interior: 105 gsm / 40 lb coated cover paper
What is the MOQ for mangas printing?
The minimum order quantity is 100 copies.
What paper types and finishes are available for mangas?
For graphic novels printing, we offer several paper types and finishes to ensure the best quality for your artwork:
- Coated Paper: Gloss or matte finish coated paper is commonly used for graphic novels. Gloss paper enhances vibrant colors, while matte provides a more subdued, textured feel.
- Uncoated Paper: This option provides a more natural, rustic look, often chosen for indie or vintage-style graphic novels.
We offer a range of finishes including gloss, matte, and cloth covers. You can also opt for foil stamping, embossing, gilded edge or debossing for added flair.
You can choose the finishes in our instant quote calculator.
What is the standard production time for mangas?
For paperback manga books, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
Are there eco-friendly printing options available?
Yes, we use FSC-certified paper for our manga if requested, ensuring that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. We also use soy-based inks, which are safer for the environment and healthier for kids.
How can I prepare my manga files for printing?
To ensure the best print quality for your mangas, please submit your files in the following format:
- High-resolution PDF (300dpi) for sharp, clear images.
- 3mm bleed on all sides of the design to prevent cutting errors.
- Embedded fonts to avoid text issues.
If you need assistance with file preparation, feel free to contact us!
Do you provide a document checking services?
Yes, we offer a free manual document-checking service to ensure your files are print-ready. Our team will review the document layout, bleed, resolution, and other technical details, allowing you to correct any issues before production begins.
Do you offer paper and printing proofs?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
Let's Talk!
If you're an independent creative or a professional mangaka — and only the finest product and unbeatable customer service will do — we should talk. Get in touch today to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can't wait to help you make your next manga as mind-blowing as you want it to be!